Education Funding Lead — Strategy & Impact

Newcastle City Council; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working

Learning and development opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Supportive working environment

Opportunity to shape education in NEWK

Job summary

Newcastle City Council is seeking an Education Funding Specialist to lead strategic work in education funding and school finance across Newcastle. You will manage a team of School Funding Specialists and ensure high-quality financial services, advice and guidance to schools and partners.

You will influence funding arrangements, provide strategic advice to senior leaders and the Schools Forum, and drive compliant delivery of Dedicated Schools Grant and SEND funding outcomes in line with national

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of education and finance legislation, policy and best practice.
• Experience of education funding, commissioning and funding formulae.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence, negotiate and build productive relationships with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience of leading and developing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of school and education funding arrangements in line with DfE and ESFA regulations.
• Provide expert financial analysis, modelling and strategic advice to support decision‑making.
• Work with schools, academies, colleges and providers to maximise resource impact.
• Oversee Dedicated Schools Grant funding and High Needs funding for SEND.
• Develop robust financial monitoring to promote sustainability and minimise risk.
• Lead consultation and engagement on funding matters with schools and stakeholders.
• Contribute to local, regional and national education funding policy discussions.
• Support school leaders and governors with guidance and development.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and development of a team of School Funding Specialists.

Skills

Education funding

Policy & legislation

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication & presentation

Team leadership

Strategic advisory

Job description

Newcastle City Council is seeking an Education Funding Specialist to lead strategic work in education funding and school finance across Newcastle. You will manage a team of School Funding Specialists and ensure high-quality financial services, advice and guidance to schools and partners.

You will influence funding arrangements, provide strategic advice to senior leaders and the Schools Forum, and drive compliant delivery of Dedicated Schools Grant and SEND funding outcomes in line with national